NFC West: Aubrayo Franklin
The San Francisco 49ers need to identify a starting right guard.
Adam Snyder is out, having signed with Arizona. Chilo Rachal appears to be out, having reached free agency without the 49ers showing much interest in him. Daniel Kilgore remains, but he remains a developmental player entering his second NFL season.
What about swing tackle Alex Boone?
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers are expected to give Boone a shot at the job. Former NFL center LeCharles Bentley, who helps train Boone during the offseason, had this to say about the idea: "Honestly, in their scheme, guards are a dime a dozen. A good young offensive tackle is such a premium. It would be a waste of ability. .. But if he's one of the five best, yeah, get him on the field." Noted: The 49ers paid more than a dime for left guard Mike Iupati, a first-round choice in 2010, the year before Jim Harbaugh arrived as the 49ers' head coach. Boone could, in theory, remain a backup option at tackle even while playing guard. At 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds, however, Boone looks like a tackle, not a guard. Bentley thinks the team should move right tackle Anthony Davis to guard, but there are no indications the 49ers plan to head in that direction.
Also from Maiocco: lists players scheduled to attend the 49ers' pro day for local prospects.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers have shown interest in tight end Andre Hardy, a college basketball player.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers made little apparent effort to keep safety Madieu Williams, who reached agreement on a contract with the Washington Redskins. Noted: The 49ers signed Williams last offseason while Dashon Goldson remained a free agent. They then signed Goldson to a one-year deal. They had less need for Williams as an insurance policy with the franchise tag restricting Goldson this offseason.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch points during a recent chat to Jeff Fisher's history in suggesting the Rams probably will not select guard David DeCastro with the sixth overall choice. What if Matt Kalil were available? Thomas: "No. 6 is too high for DeCastro. Plus, I think it's been pretty well established that Fisher would rather not taken an offensive lineman in the first round. He didn't do it once in 16 full seasons with Houston/Tennessee. So it'll be very interesting if Kalil's there at No. 6, as was the case in the P-D's latest mock draft from last Sunday. Do the Rams take him or trade down?"
Also from Thomas: The Rams might need to draft a punter after watching Donnie Jones sign with the Houston Texans.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com shares what various mock drafts are projecting for Seattle in the first round this year. Luke Kuechly showed up four times and Quinton Coples twice. Nick Perry and Fletcher Cox each showed up once. Pat Kirwan of CBSSports.com: "The Seahawks could go in a few directions at this spot, but Kuechly makes the most sense to me to QB Pete Carroll’s defense. As Carroll said to me last week, linebackers in free agency moved off the board slowly because there are some very interesting linebackers in the draft."
Also from Farnsworth: Ricardo Lockette's speed overshadows other parts of the receiver's game.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times has this to say about new Seahawks guard Deuce Lutui: "Lutui was signed to a one-year deal. That's not a long-term investment. Rather, it's an opportunity for Lutui to play his way back into position to earn a longer-term contract, going to a team coached by a man he's familiar with. For Seattle, the upside is that if Lutui is motivated and in shape, the Seahawks are getting a former second-round draft pick who started for five seasons at a bargain of a price."
Brady Henderson of 710ESPN Seattle passes along Adam Schefter's note about former 49ers and Saints nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin paying a free-agent visit to the Seahawks. Noted: Former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan works for the Seahawks now, giving Seattle a feel for Franklin.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com has details on Adrian Wilson's cameo appearance on "Hawaii Five-O" Monday night. Wilson was a prison guard on the show. Urban: "The scene was shot while Wilson was in Hawaii recently, although his spot in the show was somewhat of a fluke. One of his publicists, Carrie Carnie, got to talking to one of the producers of the show on an airline flight. Turned out the producer was a fan of Wilson’s and the role was created. It's not exactly Wilson’s arena, though. While the actual scene was being shot, it was fun, he said. But mostly, 'there was a lot of time in between shots, just waiting around.' "
Also from Urban: Cardinals guard Chris Stewart put on hold his pursuit of a law degree to play in the NFL. Urban: "He got his bachelor’s degree in history and political science in just three years at Notre Dame, and after redshirting his freshman year on the football field, he ended up with two years of football eligibility left with every option open for classes. The first year he took grad school courses trying to find his life’s direction, including some law courses. The next year -- his senior year on the football field -- he decided to work out the logistics, take the LSAT, and enter Notre Dame’s law school."
Adam Snyder is out, having signed with Arizona. Chilo Rachal appears to be out, having reached free agency without the 49ers showing much interest in him. Daniel Kilgore remains, but he remains a developmental player entering his second NFL season.
What about swing tackle Alex Boone?
Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers are expected to give Boone a shot at the job. Former NFL center LeCharles Bentley, who helps train Boone during the offseason, had this to say about the idea: "Honestly, in their scheme, guards are a dime a dozen. A good young offensive tackle is such a premium. It would be a waste of ability. .. But if he's one of the five best, yeah, get him on the field." Noted: The 49ers paid more than a dime for left guard Mike Iupati, a first-round choice in 2010, the year before Jim Harbaugh arrived as the 49ers' head coach. Boone could, in theory, remain a backup option at tackle even while playing guard. At 6-foot-8 and 300 pounds, however, Boone looks like a tackle, not a guard. Bentley thinks the team should move right tackle Anthony Davis to guard, but there are no indications the 49ers plan to head in that direction.
Also from Maiocco: lists players scheduled to attend the 49ers' pro day for local prospects.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says the 49ers have shown interest in tight end Andre Hardy, a college basketball player.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says the 49ers made little apparent effort to keep safety Madieu Williams, who reached agreement on a contract with the Washington Redskins. Noted: The 49ers signed Williams last offseason while Dashon Goldson remained a free agent. They then signed Goldson to a one-year deal. They had less need for Williams as an insurance policy with the franchise tag restricting Goldson this offseason.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch points during a recent chat to Jeff Fisher's history in suggesting the Rams probably will not select guard David DeCastro with the sixth overall choice. What if Matt Kalil were available? Thomas: "No. 6 is too high for DeCastro. Plus, I think it's been pretty well established that Fisher would rather not taken an offensive lineman in the first round. He didn't do it once in 16 full seasons with Houston/Tennessee. So it'll be very interesting if Kalil's there at No. 6, as was the case in the P-D's latest mock draft from last Sunday. Do the Rams take him or trade down?"
Also from Thomas: The Rams might need to draft a punter after watching Donnie Jones sign with the Houston Texans.
Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com shares what various mock drafts are projecting for Seattle in the first round this year. Luke Kuechly showed up four times and Quinton Coples twice. Nick Perry and Fletcher Cox each showed up once. Pat Kirwan of CBSSports.com: "The Seahawks could go in a few directions at this spot, but Kuechly makes the most sense to me to QB Pete Carroll’s defense. As Carroll said to me last week, linebackers in free agency moved off the board slowly because there are some very interesting linebackers in the draft."
Also from Farnsworth: Ricardo Lockette's speed overshadows other parts of the receiver's game.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times has this to say about new Seahawks guard Deuce Lutui: "Lutui was signed to a one-year deal. That's not a long-term investment. Rather, it's an opportunity for Lutui to play his way back into position to earn a longer-term contract, going to a team coached by a man he's familiar with. For Seattle, the upside is that if Lutui is motivated and in shape, the Seahawks are getting a former second-round draft pick who started for five seasons at a bargain of a price."
Brady Henderson of 710ESPN Seattle passes along Adam Schefter's note about former 49ers and Saints nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin paying a free-agent visit to the Seahawks. Noted: Former 49ers general manager Scot McCloughan works for the Seahawks now, giving Seattle a feel for Franklin.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com has details on Adrian Wilson's cameo appearance on "Hawaii Five-O" Monday night. Wilson was a prison guard on the show. Urban: "The scene was shot while Wilson was in Hawaii recently, although his spot in the show was somewhat of a fluke. One of his publicists, Carrie Carnie, got to talking to one of the producers of the show on an airline flight. Turned out the producer was a fan of Wilson’s and the role was created. It's not exactly Wilson’s arena, though. While the actual scene was being shot, it was fun, he said. But mostly, 'there was a lot of time in between shots, just waiting around.' "
Also from Urban: Cardinals guard Chris Stewart put on hold his pursuit of a law degree to play in the NFL. Urban: "He got his bachelor’s degree in history and political science in just three years at Notre Dame, and after redshirting his freshman year on the football field, he ended up with two years of football eligibility left with every option open for classes. The first year he took grad school courses trying to find his life’s direction, including some law courses. The next year -- his senior year on the football field -- he decided to work out the logistics, take the LSAT, and enter Notre Dame’s law school."
Filippo from Windsor, Canada, thinks Alex Smith, not Kyle Williams, was the 49ers' biggest problem in the NFC Championship Game. He wondered whether the team could trade for Peyton Manning this offseason.
Mike Sando: There will almost certainly be no trade for Manning. The Colts could not trade Manning without first paying a $28 million bonus to him. Failing to pay that bonus by March 8 would make Manning a free agent when the trading period opened five days later.
My early take on Manning was that the Colts would keep him as long as he were healthy. Sweeping changes in the organization have created the impression Indianapolis anticipates making a clean break at the position. Indianapolis appears increasingly likely to part with Manning unless the sides adjust that bonus to buy time. Manning will not want to do that, most likely, if he knows the Colts are going to draft his replacement, Andrew Luck.
This has become a perfect storm. Manning's injury was worse than anticipated. He missed the entire season, longer than expected. The Colts were worse than anticipated without him, so bad they secured the top pick. Manning's health did not improve as anticipated. One of the brightest college quarterback prospects in years happened to be available in the next draft. And then Manning had that $28 million lever in his contract.
Those are all extreme circumstances. Throw them together and it's tough to envision the Colts keeping Manning. That $28 million price tag is too high amid questions about Manning's health.
We're in a holding pattern until the March 8 bonus date. Perceptions could change by then. If Manning does become a free agent, his health will remain the key variable. It's too early to know where he might land.
I suspect the 49ers will re-sign Alex Smith before or around the March 13 start to free agency. Arizona has until March 17 to pay a $7 million bonus to keep Kevin Kolb. The gap could give the Cardinals a chance to at least consider Manning. Lots of other teams would have interest as well.
Manning's recent comments to Bob Kravitz were illuminating. Manning said he felt as though sweeping changes in the Colts' organization had left people there "walking on eggshells." But Manning is the one with reason to feel that way. He's no longer in control of his immediate future.
Dan from Portland asks why few people seem to be connecting Manning to the Seattle Seahawks. He thinks Kolb should get another chance in Arizona. He thinks Alex Smith should be the starter in San Francisco. And he sees Sam Bradford as the quarterback in St. Louis. Doesn't that leave Seattle as the most logical destination among NFC West teams?
Mike Sando: Yeah, I've wondered why Arizona has been mentioned in so many of the reports. It is possible people close to Manning are pushing Arizona as a possible destination because, one, Manning might see that as an appealing place to land and, two, the Cardinals do have that $7 million decision to make on Kolb. I see no reason for the Cardinals to push the Manning angle in the news, unless they hope to pressure Kolb into an adjusted contract.
I agree with you on Seattle making the most sense from a quarterback-need perspective. The fit from a system standpoint would take some adjusting. I also wonder how much the Seahawks would want to commit financially to such a high-profile player with clear health concerns. Would they see this as a risky two-year rental, or as a chance to become a championship contender quickly?
Manning's health is the No. 1 variable. If he hits the market in good physical condition, lots of teams will be interested.
Jeremiah from Germany thinks 49ers fans should be clamoring for Dwayne Bowe, not Marques Colston, in free agency this offseason.
Mike Sando: It's tough for me to envision the Chiefs letting Bowe get away. Smart teams re-sign their best players, especially when those players are young. I would also favor Bowe over Colston, all else being equal. But I also think the 49ers would be more likely to address the position in the draft and with a lower-priced free agent. That is how they believe in putting their team together. They have been averse to overpaying for players other teams have let hit the market. That was the case last offseason when the 49ers showed no interest in Nnamdi Asomugha and other top free agents.
Scott from Epsom, N.H., thinks I've failed to pay the New York Giants their proper respects and have instead sought to diminish their victory by branding them as concussion-inflicting cheaters. "Grow up," he writes. "It's a game."
Mike Sando: The stories about the Giants trying to inflict a concussion upon Kyle Williams originated in the Newark Star-Ledger and New York Magazine. I simply linked to them, which was pretty much a no-brainer from an NFC West perspective. These were direct quotes from Giants players speaking on the record in well-established publications.
On the game itself, the 49ers blew a prime opportunity to reach the Super Bowl, giving up 10 points on uncharacteristic special-teams turnovers. That was my focus from a 49ers/NFC West standpoint coming out of the game. There's no shortage of favorable Giants coverage out there. I just thought the 49ers did more to lose the game than their opponent did to win it. This being the NFC West blog, the 49ers were going to be my focus.
Adam from El Paso noticed that the last quarterbacks drafted in first rounds tend to struggle. He pointed to Patrick Ramsey (2002), Rex Grossman (2003), J.P. Losman (2004), Jason Campbell (2005), Jay Cutler (2006) and Brady Quinn (2007) as examples. He pointed to Joe Flacco (2008) and possibly Cutler as exceptions, but wondered if there was something to it.
Mike Sando: Interesting observation. There is nothing dooming these players. Overall, though, the quarterbacks with the most obvious skills tend to get drafted earlier. If you've reached the late first round and are thinking about a quarterback, you're probably gambling more than teams selecting them earlier. Perhaps you're more apt to be reaching for a prospect because you need one and fear missing out.
Joe from Phoenix sees Jeff Fisher delivering credible coordinators and asks whether we should expect him to land top free agents as well. He points to Cortland Finnegan as a possibility and wants to know if there are others with ties to Fisher or the current Rams coordinators.
Mike Sando: Yes, we should expect the Rams to have interest in free-agent players Fisher and his coordinators coached in the past. Finnegan is one of them.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer spent the last six seasons with New York, but the Jets do not have many potential offensive free agents of note. The list includes quarterback Mark Brunell, receiver Plaxico Burress, tight end Matthew Mulligan, quarterback Kevin O'Connell, running back LaDainian Tomlinson and tackle Robert Turner.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams spent the last three seasons with New Orleans.
The Saints' potential defensive free agents include linebacker Jonathan Casillas, defensive end Jeff Charleston, linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin, linebacker Ramon Humber, defensive end Turk McBride, cornerback Tracy Porter, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and cornerback Leigh Torrance.
Williams was also with 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers, another potential free agent, years ago in Washington.
Fisher's roots as head coach in Tennessee provide additional connections. The Titans' potential free agents include snapper Ken Amato, safety Jordan Babineaux, linebacker Patrick Bailey, defensive end Dave Ball, Finnegan, safety Michael Griffin, running back Ahmard Hall, receiver Lavelle Hawkins, defensive end William Hayes, safety Chris Hope, defensive end/tackle Jason Jones, tackle Mike Otto, guard Jake Scott, linebacker Tim Shaw and safety Anthony Smith.
Mike Sando: There will almost certainly be no trade for Manning. The Colts could not trade Manning without first paying a $28 million bonus to him. Failing to pay that bonus by March 8 would make Manning a free agent when the trading period opened five days later.
My early take on Manning was that the Colts would keep him as long as he were healthy. Sweeping changes in the organization have created the impression Indianapolis anticipates making a clean break at the position. Indianapolis appears increasingly likely to part with Manning unless the sides adjust that bonus to buy time. Manning will not want to do that, most likely, if he knows the Colts are going to draft his replacement, Andrew Luck.
This has become a perfect storm. Manning's injury was worse than anticipated. He missed the entire season, longer than expected. The Colts were worse than anticipated without him, so bad they secured the top pick. Manning's health did not improve as anticipated. One of the brightest college quarterback prospects in years happened to be available in the next draft. And then Manning had that $28 million lever in his contract.
Those are all extreme circumstances. Throw them together and it's tough to envision the Colts keeping Manning. That $28 million price tag is too high amid questions about Manning's health.
We're in a holding pattern until the March 8 bonus date. Perceptions could change by then. If Manning does become a free agent, his health will remain the key variable. It's too early to know where he might land.
I suspect the 49ers will re-sign Alex Smith before or around the March 13 start to free agency. Arizona has until March 17 to pay a $7 million bonus to keep Kevin Kolb. The gap could give the Cardinals a chance to at least consider Manning. Lots of other teams would have interest as well.
Manning's recent comments to Bob Kravitz were illuminating. Manning said he felt as though sweeping changes in the Colts' organization had left people there "walking on eggshells." But Manning is the one with reason to feel that way. He's no longer in control of his immediate future.
Dan from Portland asks why few people seem to be connecting Manning to the Seattle Seahawks. He thinks Kolb should get another chance in Arizona. He thinks Alex Smith should be the starter in San Francisco. And he sees Sam Bradford as the quarterback in St. Louis. Doesn't that leave Seattle as the most logical destination among NFC West teams?
Mike Sando: Yeah, I've wondered why Arizona has been mentioned in so many of the reports. It is possible people close to Manning are pushing Arizona as a possible destination because, one, Manning might see that as an appealing place to land and, two, the Cardinals do have that $7 million decision to make on Kolb. I see no reason for the Cardinals to push the Manning angle in the news, unless they hope to pressure Kolb into an adjusted contract.
I agree with you on Seattle making the most sense from a quarterback-need perspective. The fit from a system standpoint would take some adjusting. I also wonder how much the Seahawks would want to commit financially to such a high-profile player with clear health concerns. Would they see this as a risky two-year rental, or as a chance to become a championship contender quickly?
Manning's health is the No. 1 variable. If he hits the market in good physical condition, lots of teams will be interested.
Jeremiah from Germany thinks 49ers fans should be clamoring for Dwayne Bowe, not Marques Colston, in free agency this offseason.
Mike Sando: It's tough for me to envision the Chiefs letting Bowe get away. Smart teams re-sign their best players, especially when those players are young. I would also favor Bowe over Colston, all else being equal. But I also think the 49ers would be more likely to address the position in the draft and with a lower-priced free agent. That is how they believe in putting their team together. They have been averse to overpaying for players other teams have let hit the market. That was the case last offseason when the 49ers showed no interest in Nnamdi Asomugha and other top free agents.
Scott from Epsom, N.H., thinks I've failed to pay the New York Giants their proper respects and have instead sought to diminish their victory by branding them as concussion-inflicting cheaters. "Grow up," he writes. "It's a game."
Mike Sando: The stories about the Giants trying to inflict a concussion upon Kyle Williams originated in the Newark Star-Ledger and New York Magazine. I simply linked to them, which was pretty much a no-brainer from an NFC West perspective. These were direct quotes from Giants players speaking on the record in well-established publications.
On the game itself, the 49ers blew a prime opportunity to reach the Super Bowl, giving up 10 points on uncharacteristic special-teams turnovers. That was my focus from a 49ers/NFC West standpoint coming out of the game. There's no shortage of favorable Giants coverage out there. I just thought the 49ers did more to lose the game than their opponent did to win it. This being the NFC West blog, the 49ers were going to be my focus.
Adam from El Paso noticed that the last quarterbacks drafted in first rounds tend to struggle. He pointed to Patrick Ramsey (2002), Rex Grossman (2003), J.P. Losman (2004), Jason Campbell (2005), Jay Cutler (2006) and Brady Quinn (2007) as examples. He pointed to Joe Flacco (2008) and possibly Cutler as exceptions, but wondered if there was something to it.
Mike Sando: Interesting observation. There is nothing dooming these players. Overall, though, the quarterbacks with the most obvious skills tend to get drafted earlier. If you've reached the late first round and are thinking about a quarterback, you're probably gambling more than teams selecting them earlier. Perhaps you're more apt to be reaching for a prospect because you need one and fear missing out.
Joe from Phoenix sees Jeff Fisher delivering credible coordinators and asks whether we should expect him to land top free agents as well. He points to Cortland Finnegan as a possibility and wants to know if there are others with ties to Fisher or the current Rams coordinators.
Mike Sando: Yes, we should expect the Rams to have interest in free-agent players Fisher and his coordinators coached in the past. Finnegan is one of them.
Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer spent the last six seasons with New York, but the Jets do not have many potential offensive free agents of note. The list includes quarterback Mark Brunell, receiver Plaxico Burress, tight end Matthew Mulligan, quarterback Kevin O'Connell, running back LaDainian Tomlinson and tackle Robert Turner.
Defensive coordinator Gregg Williams spent the last three seasons with New Orleans.
The Saints' potential defensive free agents include linebacker Jonathan Casillas, defensive end Jeff Charleston, linebacker Jo-Lonn Dunbar, nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin, linebacker Ramon Humber, defensive end Turk McBride, cornerback Tracy Porter, defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and cornerback Leigh Torrance.
Williams was also with 49ers cornerback Carlos Rogers, another potential free agent, years ago in Washington.
Fisher's roots as head coach in Tennessee provide additional connections. The Titans' potential free agents include snapper Ken Amato, safety Jordan Babineaux, linebacker Patrick Bailey, defensive end Dave Ball, Finnegan, safety Michael Griffin, running back Ahmard Hall, receiver Lavelle Hawkins, defensive end William Hayes, safety Chris Hope, defensive end/tackle Jason Jones, tackle Mike Otto, guard Jake Scott, linebacker Tim Shaw and safety Anthony Smith.
Nearly five months have passed since I set team-by-team expectations for the NFC West based on what I'd seen at training camps.
The San Francisco 49ers outperformed expectations. The St. Louis Rams fell far short. The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks finished right about where I had projected, but there were more ups and downs along the way than almost anyone could have anticipated.
Let's reconcile expectations with results and try to learn something along the way.
St. Louis Rams
Projected wins: 8
Actual wins: 2
Following up: A tough schedule meant the Rams would need quarterback Sam Bradford to make significant improvement under new coordinator Josh McDaniels. I expected that to happen after speaking with Bradford and McDaniels in some detail during camp. I also expected the Rams' defense to remain a strength after adding veteran role players from winning organizations. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Injuries played a significant role on offense in general and at cornerback, a position I outlined as lacking sufficient depth. But the offensive line wasn't playing well even when the starters were together.
Lesson learned: Bradford and the Rams struggled down the stretch to close out the 2010 season. That should have invited more skepticism from me. I gave Bradford and McDaniels the benefit of the doubt based on Bradford's poise and the confidence both showed heading into the season. The narrative of an ascending young quarterback should not have been so persuasive. Adding veteran role players seemed to make sense at the time because the Rams weren't making significant financial commitments to them. However, signing so many older players meant the team lacked young depth. That should have set off alarms.
Arizona Cardinals
Projected wins: 7-8
Actual wins: 8
Following up: It's tough to take full credit for nailing this projection given how it happened. The team started 1-6 and rallied to 8-8 despite never getting much from newly acquired quarterback Kevin Kolb. I thought Arizona would have needed more games from Kolb to improve its record by three victories. Arizona's ability to manufacture victories through the return game and fourth-quarter rallies made up the difference. The concerns I raised about Kolb's durability in relation to the Cardinals' pass protection hit the mark. The defense showed more improvement than I had anticipated.
Lesson learned: Never underestimate strong safety Adrian Wilson. I had a hard time believing Wilson would hold up physically through a full season after suffering a torn biceps tendon during camp. Wilson not only held up, he got stronger as the season progressed. Wilson even earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. The Cardinals drove home a couple additional lessons this season. They showed that wheeling and dealing aggressively in free agency and through trades can build excitement without delivering immediate results. They also reminded us to withhold final judgments until late in a season. The view from 8-8 looks a lot better than the one from 1-6. But as we look ahead to 2012, we should not assume the Cardinals will continue on their recent trajectory. Every season is different.
San Francisco 49ers
Projected wins: 6-7
Actual wins: 13
Following up: My general feel for the team was accurate. How it would translate into victories was not. I thought the 49ers would be difficult to analyze in the short term because they had a new coaching staff. I thought better-than-expected play at quarterback could quickly upgrade their prospects. And I figured lower expectations from the outside would help. "I am saying there's a chance," was how I put it back in August. A chance for 13-3? Never saw that coming. In retrospect, I should have listed the 49ers' win range as "6+7" instead of 6-7.
Lesson learned: New coach Jim Harbaugh and staff impressed during camp, but I underestimated how much competent coaching would mean for the 49ers right away. The current coaches have done a phenomenal job fitting together how the offense, defense and special teams complement one another. While I allowed for the fact that San Francisco's defensive changes were by design, I wasn't convinced they would pay off. They did, and hugely. The 49ers' personnel people also get credit for resisting temptations to spend lavishly in free agency. They trusted their instincts and got great contributions from NaVorro Bowman and Carlos Rogers in particular. They paid Ray McDonald and parted with Aubrayo Franklin when no one was saying they should do those things. So, if and when the 49ers let players walk in free agency, we should realize things could be going to plan.
Seattle Seahawks
Projected wins: 5-7
Actual wins: 7
Following up: The Seahawks met expectations and probably exceeded them after suffering so many injuries to their offensive line and elsewhere. Seattle was, as expected, a team "eager to let young players develop before acting more boldly to upgrade the quarterback position in the offseason." The Seahawks were an easy team to read for those not blinded by coach Pete Carroll's public support for Tarvaris Jackson. They still need another pass-rusher and better play at quarterback to take the next step.
Lesson learned: Tom Cable is a fantastic offensive line coach, for one. Also, general manager John Schneider and the Seahawks' personnel people should get the benefit of the doubt on their evaluations. They repeatedly got positive results when turning to young players. They replaced Lawyer Milloy with Kam Chancellor and came out way ahead. They replaced Aaron Curry with rookie K.J. Wright and were correct, again. They continually churned the roster and made themselves deeper. They turned a project from the CFL (Brandon Browner) into a Pro Bowl first-alternate even while rookie fifth-round choice Richard Sherman became their best corner. So, if the Seahawks do not show interest in Green Bay quarterback Matt Flynn, we can trust it's because Schneider, formerly of the Packers, knows better.
The San Francisco 49ers outperformed expectations. The St. Louis Rams fell far short. The Arizona Cardinals and Seattle Seahawks finished right about where I had projected, but there were more ups and downs along the way than almost anyone could have anticipated.
Let's reconcile expectations with results and try to learn something along the way.
St. Louis Rams
Projected wins: 8
Actual wins: 2
Following up: A tough schedule meant the Rams would need quarterback Sam Bradford to make significant improvement under new coordinator Josh McDaniels. I expected that to happen after speaking with Bradford and McDaniels in some detail during camp. I also expected the Rams' defense to remain a strength after adding veteran role players from winning organizations. Wrong, wrong, wrong. Injuries played a significant role on offense in general and at cornerback, a position I outlined as lacking sufficient depth. But the offensive line wasn't playing well even when the starters were together.
Lesson learned: Bradford and the Rams struggled down the stretch to close out the 2010 season. That should have invited more skepticism from me. I gave Bradford and McDaniels the benefit of the doubt based on Bradford's poise and the confidence both showed heading into the season. The narrative of an ascending young quarterback should not have been so persuasive. Adding veteran role players seemed to make sense at the time because the Rams weren't making significant financial commitments to them. However, signing so many older players meant the team lacked young depth. That should have set off alarms.
Arizona Cardinals
Projected wins: 7-8
Actual wins: 8
Following up: It's tough to take full credit for nailing this projection given how it happened. The team started 1-6 and rallied to 8-8 despite never getting much from newly acquired quarterback Kevin Kolb. I thought Arizona would have needed more games from Kolb to improve its record by three victories. Arizona's ability to manufacture victories through the return game and fourth-quarter rallies made up the difference. The concerns I raised about Kolb's durability in relation to the Cardinals' pass protection hit the mark. The defense showed more improvement than I had anticipated.
Lesson learned: Never underestimate strong safety Adrian Wilson. I had a hard time believing Wilson would hold up physically through a full season after suffering a torn biceps tendon during camp. Wilson not only held up, he got stronger as the season progressed. Wilson even earned a trip to the Pro Bowl. The Cardinals drove home a couple additional lessons this season. They showed that wheeling and dealing aggressively in free agency and through trades can build excitement without delivering immediate results. They also reminded us to withhold final judgments until late in a season. The view from 8-8 looks a lot better than the one from 1-6. But as we look ahead to 2012, we should not assume the Cardinals will continue on their recent trajectory. Every season is different.
San Francisco 49ers
Projected wins: 6-7
Actual wins: 13
Following up: My general feel for the team was accurate. How it would translate into victories was not. I thought the 49ers would be difficult to analyze in the short term because they had a new coaching staff. I thought better-than-expected play at quarterback could quickly upgrade their prospects. And I figured lower expectations from the outside would help. "I am saying there's a chance," was how I put it back in August. A chance for 13-3? Never saw that coming. In retrospect, I should have listed the 49ers' win range as "6+7" instead of 6-7.
Lesson learned: New coach Jim Harbaugh and staff impressed during camp, but I underestimated how much competent coaching would mean for the 49ers right away. The current coaches have done a phenomenal job fitting together how the offense, defense and special teams complement one another. While I allowed for the fact that San Francisco's defensive changes were by design, I wasn't convinced they would pay off. They did, and hugely. The 49ers' personnel people also get credit for resisting temptations to spend lavishly in free agency. They trusted their instincts and got great contributions from NaVorro Bowman and Carlos Rogers in particular. They paid Ray McDonald and parted with Aubrayo Franklin when no one was saying they should do those things. So, if and when the 49ers let players walk in free agency, we should realize things could be going to plan.
Seattle Seahawks
Projected wins: 5-7
Actual wins: 7
Following up: The Seahawks met expectations and probably exceeded them after suffering so many injuries to their offensive line and elsewhere. Seattle was, as expected, a team "eager to let young players develop before acting more boldly to upgrade the quarterback position in the offseason." The Seahawks were an easy team to read for those not blinded by coach Pete Carroll's public support for Tarvaris Jackson. They still need another pass-rusher and better play at quarterback to take the next step.
Lesson learned: Tom Cable is a fantastic offensive line coach, for one. Also, general manager John Schneider and the Seahawks' personnel people should get the benefit of the doubt on their evaluations. They repeatedly got positive results when turning to young players. They replaced Lawyer Milloy with Kam Chancellor and came out way ahead. They replaced Aaron Curry with rookie K.J. Wright and were correct, again. They continually churned the roster and made themselves deeper. They turned a project from the CFL (Brandon Browner) into a Pro Bowl first-alternate even while rookie fifth-round choice Richard Sherman became their best corner. So, if the Seahawks do not show interest in Green Bay quarterback Matt Flynn, we can trust it's because Schneider, formerly of the Packers, knows better.
Chat wrap: If the Seahawks could re-draft
October, 27, 2011
10/27/11
4:56
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The NFC West has not yet been won, but it's trending toward the San Francisco 49ers enough for offseason questions to proliferate during the latest chat.
Niners fans are already asking about which players the team should re-sign, while other teams' fans are looking ahead to the draft. There were quite a few football-related questions, too, including these:
Thanks for keeping the conversation moving. Back in a bit. "You called it" item on the way before the day is through.
Niners fans are already asking about which players the team should re-sign, while other teams' fans are looking ahead to the draft. There were quite a few football-related questions, too, including these:
Mike Sando: I've been scratching my head on that one. The sketchy play on defense largely predates the cornerback issues. I think Fred Robbins has hit a wall, the outside linebackers have failed to meet expectations, James Hall has been just OK, teams are running away from Chris Long a little bit and the Rams don't have the personnel to contain the perimeter. The corner issues play into that last aspect, but are not enough to explain what is going wrong with the defense overall.
Mike Sando: Yeah, no question, but would they be any further along in their development as a team right now? Depends what you think of Sanchez. Is he THE guy or A guy? I'm a little skeptical still. Right now, you can make the case that Seattle is really a quarterback away from really contending. The team does not have many glaring holes elsewhere on the roster. The Seahawks could use maybe another linebacker, a pass-rusher, possibly a corner (depending on health issues). A running back to succeed Marshawn Lynch might help. Overall, though, a lot of the key pieces are there. They haven't found a quarterback to their liking yet. The one they get needs to be better than Sanchez, I think.
Mike Sando: How Kevin Kolb plays in the second half of the season will answer that question. If Kolb hasn't shown enough to that point, the Cardinals would have to consider the quarterback more strongly. If Kolb is looking good by then, or if the team has reason to expect great things from him, then see if there's a chance to leverage the choice into additional picks. It's clear the Cardinals have multiple needs -- left tackle and outside linebacker among them.
Mike Sando: It's a good thing for the 49ers that we cannot easily agree on the answer to that. NaVorro Bowman has stood out most unexpectedly, at least from my viewpoint. ... I've been impressed with the team's decision to re-sign Ray McDonald, start him at end, move Isaac Sopoaga to the nose and let Aubrayo Franklin walk. That combination of moves stands out to me as unconventional, but a case of the 49ers knowing better than outsiders knew.
Thanks for keeping the conversation moving. Back in a bit. "You called it" item on the way before the day is through.
On Carlos Rogers' rebirth with 49ers
October, 13, 2011
10/13/11
10:11
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The San Francisco 49ers haven't been big spenders in free agency recently.
None of the unrestricted free agents they added from other teams during the 2011 offseason received a deal exceeding three years in length or $4.25 million in average compensation.
One player in particular has stood out as a bargain.
Rogers' aggressive play at cornerback has given the 49ers a needed edge in their secondary. It's tough to say any other corner in the NFC West has made as positive an impact through Week 5. Rogers' 31-yard interception return for a touchdown against Tampa Bay was the latest in a string of impact plays from him for San Francisco.
Sometimes a change of address frees a veteran player to reach more of his potential. That seems to be the case with Rogers, a seventh-year veteran known during his six-year run with Washington for letting would-be interceptions slip through his hands. Rogers' three picks through five games exceed by one his single-season career high. He now has 11 for his career.
I was among several reporters gathered around Rogers in the 49ers' locker room Monday. A few highlights:
The chart shows basic contract information for Rogers and the other unrestricted free agents added during the offseason. Manny Lawson, Takeo Spikes, Aubrayo Franklin, Jeff Reed, Travis LaBoy and David Baas were the UFAs leaving the 49ers for other teams.
None of the unrestricted free agents they added from other teams during the 2011 offseason received a deal exceeding three years in length or $4.25 million in average compensation.
One player in particular has stood out as a bargain.
Rogers' aggressive play at cornerback has given the 49ers a needed edge in their secondary. It's tough to say any other corner in the NFC West has made as positive an impact through Week 5. Rogers' 31-yard interception return for a touchdown against Tampa Bay was the latest in a string of impact plays from him for San Francisco.
Sometimes a change of address frees a veteran player to reach more of his potential. That seems to be the case with Rogers, a seventh-year veteran known during his six-year run with Washington for letting would-be interceptions slip through his hands. Rogers' three picks through five games exceed by one his single-season career high. He now has 11 for his career.
I was among several reporters gathered around Rogers in the 49ers' locker room Monday. A few highlights:
- On matching up with Detroit's Calvin Johnson: "He present a lot. A big, strong guy that can run. Then you got a quarterback who gets him the ball no matter if he is covered or not. We’re going to have to have something special for him, roll some coverages to him. They’ve been rolling, he’s been outjumping everybody, scoring touchdowns, catching balls in many different places. You see him all over ESPN and what they are doing."
- On his time with the Redskins: "I had coach (Joe) Gibbs, he basically ran our team. I had coach Gregg Williams as a defensive coordinator that everyone would die to play for. After that, it was coach (Jim) Zorn, and he didn’t really run our team. Guys were able to run over him and get things they wanted by just going to the ownership. After that, coach (Mike) Shanahan is a good coach, but my mindset by the time he came in, I was just ready to leave."
- On what bothered him about the Redskins: "We only re-signed Chris Samuels and Chris Cooley, which they deserve it, but everybody else was new guys they had brought in. It wasn’t guys who were drafted that we re-signed. I’m thinking once it comes to my turn, I’m not going to be here anyway. My whole mindset was like, 'Just get out of Washington, get a fresh start.' I’m always compared to what Shawn Springs do, what Fred Smoot do, what DeAngelo Hall do. I just couldn’t be Carlos. ... As a player, you get tired of that. You want something fresh. With this team, they just let me be me. They just let me play. I think right now I’m just playing at a level I know I can play at. I think back and it’s just like college. I’m back to my Auburn days, having fun."
- On the 49ers' 4-1 start: "We got a long way to go. I was with coach Zorn and we went 6-2 into our bye. The next eight games, we was 2-6. It’s a long season. We have a long way to go. Right now, (Jim Harbaugh) is just leading us in the right direction, keeping our mind strong on what we’ve got to do, and the right mindset of thinking throughout this whole process. It’s better than people thought. I tell people, we was supposed to be sorry. We’re surprising everybody. But we don’t want all the credit now. We want it at the end of the season when we get to our ultimate goal."
The chart shows basic contract information for Rogers and the other unrestricted free agents added during the offseason. Manny Lawson, Takeo Spikes, Aubrayo Franklin, Jeff Reed, Travis LaBoy and David Baas were the UFAs leaving the 49ers for other teams.
NFC West teams went 0-3 last season against the teams they face in Week 5.
They lost those games by a combined 99-31 score.
Much has changed since then. Let's take a look:
Cardinals at Vikings
Score last season: Vikings 27, Cardinals 24 (OT)
Key play: Brett Favre's 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe in the final minute of regulation tied the game, forcing overtime after the Cardinals had built a 24-10 fourth-quarter lead. Favre threw for a career-high 446 yards in the game.
Biggest change: Both teams have new quarterbacks, Kevin Kolb for Derek Anderson in Arizona, and Donovan McNabb for Favre in Minnesota. Also, the Vikings have a new head coach (Leslie Frazier) while the Cardinals have a new defensive coordinator (Ray Horton).
Storyline: McNabb keeps a home in Arizona and was available to the Cardinals when their quarterback situation was in flux, but the team showed no interest in him. He is now trying to hold off a change to rookie Christian Ponder.
Lineup changes for Arizona (12): Beanie Wells for Tim Hightower at running back, Kolb for Anderson at quarterback, Daryn Colledge for Alan Faneca at left guard, Rex Hadnot for Deuce Lutui at right guard, Todd Heap for Ben Patrick at tight end, Andre Roberts for Steve Breaston at receiver, Anthony Sherman for Reagan Maui'a at fullback (although the team opened its 2010 game at Minnesota without a fullback), Dan Williams for Bryan Robinson at nose tackle, Daryl Washington for Gerald Hayes at linebacker, Clark Haggans for Will Davis at linebacker, A.J. Jefferson for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at cornerback, Patrick Peterson for Greg Toler at cornerback.
49ers vs. Buccaneers
Score last season: Buccaneers 21, 49ers 0
Key play: Josh Freeman's 1-yard scoring pass to tackle Donald Penn midway through the fourth quarter put an exclamation point on the 49ers' first home shutout since 1977.
Biggest change: Jim Harbaugh has replaced Mike Singletary as the 49ers' head coach.
Storyline: Alex Smith gets a shot at Tampa Bay after watching Troy Smith struggle against the Bucs as the 49ers' starting quarterback last season. Troy Smith's approach centered around striking for big plays. The Bucs took away the big plays. Alex Smith gives the 49ers a chance to be more efficient.
Lineup changes for San Francisco (12): Alex Smith for Troy Smith at quarterback, Joe Staley for Barry Sims at left tackle, Adam Snyder for Chilo Rachal at right guard, Bruce Miller for Moran Norris at fullback, Isaac Sopoaga for Aubrayo Franklin at nose tackle, Ray McDonald for Sopoaga at defensive end, Ahmad Brooks for Manny Lawson at outside linebacker, NaVorro Bowman for Takeo Spikes at inside linebacker, Carlos Rogers for Nate Clements at cornerback, Tarell Brown for Shawntae Spencer at cornerback, Donte Whitner for Reggie Smith at strong safety.
Seahawks at Giants
Score last season: Giants 41, Seahawks 7
Key play: With Seattle already down 14-0 in the first quarter, the Giants returned Leon Washington's fumbled kickoff return to the Seattle 4, setting up Ahmad Bradshaw's touchdown run on the next play.
Biggest change: Tarvaris Jackson is the starting quarterback for Seattle. Charlie Whitehurst was a fill-in starter for Matt Hasselbeck when the teams played last season.
Storyline: The Seahawks' so-far-unproductive ground game faces a Giants run defense that has struggled. Seattle's young line improved in pass protection last week. Can it take a step forward in run blocking this week?
Lineup changes for Seattle (16): Sidney Rice for Deon Butler at receiver, Jackson for Whitehurst at quarterback, Russell Okung for Chester Pitts at left tackle, Paul McQuistan for Mike Gibson at left guard, Max Unger for Chris Spencer at center, John Moffitt for Stacy Andrews at right guard, James Carpenter for Sean Locklear at right tackle, Zach Miller for John Carlson at tight end, Brandon Mebane for Junior Siavii at defensive tackle, Alan Branch for Craig Terrill at defensive tackle, Red Bryant for Kentwan Balmer at defensive end, K.J. Wright for Aaron Curry at linebacker, David Hawthorne for Lofa Tatupu at linebacker, Leroy Hill for Hawthorne at linebacker, Brandon Browner for Kelly Jennings at right cornerback, Kam Chancellor or Atari Bigby for Lawyer Milloy, depending on Chancellor's availability.
They lost those games by a combined 99-31 score.
Much has changed since then. Let's take a look:
Cardinals at Vikings
Score last season: Vikings 27, Cardinals 24 (OT)
Key play: Brett Favre's 25-yard touchdown pass to tight end Visanthe Shiancoe in the final minute of regulation tied the game, forcing overtime after the Cardinals had built a 24-10 fourth-quarter lead. Favre threw for a career-high 446 yards in the game.
Biggest change: Both teams have new quarterbacks, Kevin Kolb for Derek Anderson in Arizona, and Donovan McNabb for Favre in Minnesota. Also, the Vikings have a new head coach (Leslie Frazier) while the Cardinals have a new defensive coordinator (Ray Horton).
Storyline: McNabb keeps a home in Arizona and was available to the Cardinals when their quarterback situation was in flux, but the team showed no interest in him. He is now trying to hold off a change to rookie Christian Ponder.
Lineup changes for Arizona (12): Beanie Wells for Tim Hightower at running back, Kolb for Anderson at quarterback, Daryn Colledge for Alan Faneca at left guard, Rex Hadnot for Deuce Lutui at right guard, Todd Heap for Ben Patrick at tight end, Andre Roberts for Steve Breaston at receiver, Anthony Sherman for Reagan Maui'a at fullback (although the team opened its 2010 game at Minnesota without a fullback), Dan Williams for Bryan Robinson at nose tackle, Daryl Washington for Gerald Hayes at linebacker, Clark Haggans for Will Davis at linebacker, A.J. Jefferson for Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie at cornerback, Patrick Peterson for Greg Toler at cornerback.
49ers vs. Buccaneers
Score last season: Buccaneers 21, 49ers 0
Key play: Josh Freeman's 1-yard scoring pass to tackle Donald Penn midway through the fourth quarter put an exclamation point on the 49ers' first home shutout since 1977.
Biggest change: Jim Harbaugh has replaced Mike Singletary as the 49ers' head coach.
Storyline: Alex Smith gets a shot at Tampa Bay after watching Troy Smith struggle against the Bucs as the 49ers' starting quarterback last season. Troy Smith's approach centered around striking for big plays. The Bucs took away the big plays. Alex Smith gives the 49ers a chance to be more efficient.
Lineup changes for San Francisco (12): Alex Smith for Troy Smith at quarterback, Joe Staley for Barry Sims at left tackle, Adam Snyder for Chilo Rachal at right guard, Bruce Miller for Moran Norris at fullback, Isaac Sopoaga for Aubrayo Franklin at nose tackle, Ray McDonald for Sopoaga at defensive end, Ahmad Brooks for Manny Lawson at outside linebacker, NaVorro Bowman for Takeo Spikes at inside linebacker, Carlos Rogers for Nate Clements at cornerback, Tarell Brown for Shawntae Spencer at cornerback, Donte Whitner for Reggie Smith at strong safety.
Seahawks at Giants
Score last season: Giants 41, Seahawks 7
Key play: With Seattle already down 14-0 in the first quarter, the Giants returned Leon Washington's fumbled kickoff return to the Seattle 4, setting up Ahmad Bradshaw's touchdown run on the next play.
Biggest change: Tarvaris Jackson is the starting quarterback for Seattle. Charlie Whitehurst was a fill-in starter for Matt Hasselbeck when the teams played last season.
Storyline: The Seahawks' so-far-unproductive ground game faces a Giants run defense that has struggled. Seattle's young line improved in pass protection last week. Can it take a step forward in run blocking this week?
Lineup changes for Seattle (16): Sidney Rice for Deon Butler at receiver, Jackson for Whitehurst at quarterback, Russell Okung for Chester Pitts at left tackle, Paul McQuistan for Mike Gibson at left guard, Max Unger for Chris Spencer at center, John Moffitt for Stacy Andrews at right guard, James Carpenter for Sean Locklear at right tackle, Zach Miller for John Carlson at tight end, Brandon Mebane for Junior Siavii at defensive tackle, Alan Branch for Craig Terrill at defensive tackle, Red Bryant for Kentwan Balmer at defensive end, K.J. Wright for Aaron Curry at linebacker, David Hawthorne for Lofa Tatupu at linebacker, Leroy Hill for Hawthorne at linebacker, Brandon Browner for Kelly Jennings at right cornerback, Kam Chancellor or Atari Bigby for Lawyer Milloy, depending on Chancellor's availability.
Bowman and 49ers' defensive revelations
September, 28, 2011
9/28/11
9:55
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
crabman82 read the NFC West Stock Watch and thought the San Francisco 49ers' NaVorro Bowman deserved mention.
Good point.
"NaVorro Bowman is a big-time find," Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said.
Bowman, a third-round choice in 2010, took over as the full-time starter when the 49ers lost Takeo Spikes to San Diego in free agency. Or, more accurately, the 49ers let the 34-year-old Spikes leave in free agency because they were confident Bowman, 23, was more than ready to take over the job.
"I was a huge Spikes fan and thought they were losing leadership, a great tackler, but Bowman is better," Williamson said. "He covers a ton of ground. He beats Patrick Willis to the ball at times. He goes in coverage and pursuit. I looked at him coming out of college as a 4-3 Will type guy, a run-and-hit linebacker who did not fit as well in the 3-4. But he has bulked up, he is stronger, he gets low, takes on blocks."
The moves San Francisco made on defense appear to be working out well.
Ray McDonald has flourished as a starting defensive end. The run defense has remained strong with Isaac Sopoaga moving to nose tackle after the team made no serious effort to re-sign Aubrayo Franklin. Carlos Rogers has been better at cornerback than Nate Clements, who was released. Coverage issues have persisted at times, but the situation at safety is better overall now that Dashon Goldson is back.
Good point.
"NaVorro Bowman is a big-time find," Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said.
Bowman, a third-round choice in 2010, took over as the full-time starter when the 49ers lost Takeo Spikes to San Diego in free agency. Or, more accurately, the 49ers let the 34-year-old Spikes leave in free agency because they were confident Bowman, 23, was more than ready to take over the job.
"I was a huge Spikes fan and thought they were losing leadership, a great tackler, but Bowman is better," Williamson said. "He covers a ton of ground. He beats Patrick Willis to the ball at times. He goes in coverage and pursuit. I looked at him coming out of college as a 4-3 Will type guy, a run-and-hit linebacker who did not fit as well in the 3-4. But he has bulked up, he is stronger, he gets low, takes on blocks."
The moves San Francisco made on defense appear to be working out well.
Ray McDonald has flourished as a starting defensive end. The run defense has remained strong with Isaac Sopoaga moving to nose tackle after the team made no serious effort to re-sign Aubrayo Franklin. Carlos Rogers has been better at cornerback than Nate Clements, who was released. Coverage issues have persisted at times, but the situation at safety is better overall now that Dashon Goldson is back.
Around the NFC West: 49ers sensed arrival
September, 16, 2011
9/16/11
9:40
AM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
The five-year, $20 million deal San Francisco paid to Ray McDonald made a bold statement about the 49ers' veteran defensive end.
McDonald hadn't started a game in 2010. He hadn't started one in 2009, either.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says McDonald, though not a starter, ranked second on the 49ers last season in quarterback pressures (56) and quarterback hits (26). And while the team was sticking with a 3-4 defense, coordinator Vic Fangio wanted active linemen, not the conventional two-gapping types. Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin was out. Isaac Sopoaga was moving from end to replace Franklin. McDonald was moving into the lineup. Coach Jim Harbaugh: "We watched the tape on Ray and we all felt that here's a guy that's just about ready to explode onto the scene. It's kind of like there have been some tremors, some earthquake tremors have been reported and sighted on the Richter scale, and here's a guy that the big one could be coming. That's why Ray was such a high priority for us to re-sign and get back on our football team." McDonald's sack against Seattle in the opener ended a 25-game streak without one.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says 49ers rookie Aldon Smith is playing Demarcus Ware's role on the scout team in practice.
Also from Barrows: The microphone Harbaugh wore in Week 1 reveals the coach telling Alex Smith to throw away the ball if no one was open on a bootleg deep in Seattle territory. Barrows: "Smith, of course, runs the ball in for a touchdown, juking safety Kam Chancellor before being whacked by Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry just beyond the goal line. He gets a long and enthusiastic bear hug from a whooping Harbaugh when he gets to the sideline."
Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch checks in with Rams receiver Danny Amendola, who is recovering from a dislocated elbow. Coach Steve Spagnuolo says the team will "be smart" with Amendola. Amendola: "I've been healing really quick. I can catch, I can move it around. It's just a little bit of instability on the sides." It's not clear how many games Amendola might miss.
Also from Coats: How Steven Jackson feels Monday will dictate whether he plays in Week 2. It's an upset if Jackson returns this week.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes that dropped passes hurt the Rams in their Week 17 defeat at Seattle last season, again in the opener Sunday. Thomas: "With two starting cornerbacks out with injury as well as their starting middle linebacker, Monday's opponent -- the New York Giants -- was shredded for 305 yards passing by Washington quarterback Rex Grossman, who's hardly one of the league's elite passers. The Redskins had six pass plays go for 20 yards-plus, and Washington tight end Fred Davis had five catches for 105 yards. So if the Rams can protect Bradford against the Giants pass rush and pick up the blitz, there should be opportunities in the passing game. Because of their depleted ranks in the secondary, the Giants had to play a lot of zone and off coverage against Washington."
DeMarco Farr of 101ESPN St. Louis expects good things from Al Harris as the Rams shuffle their secondary.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the Cardinals' secondary was primarily to blame for the big plays allowed against Carolina in the opener. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "We had a comedy of errors on the back half. That’s what we are working to improve. (But) I don’t believe our attitude has suffered."
Also from Urban: Kevin Kolb wants to stay in the pocket longer on certain throws.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says officials appeared to err on two important calls against the Cardinals in the opener, both for hits on the quarterback. Clark Haggans' hand grazing Cam Newton's helmet drew one of the disputed flags. Somers: "The blow, if you can call it that, appeared inadvertent. Haggans was engaged with a blocker, saw Newton starting to throw and jumped to attempt to block the pass. His hand grazed Newton's helmet. Under new rules emphasis, that type of play was supposed to be legal this year." Noted: Somers and I were at Cardinals camp when game officials walked reporters through this specific type of play. We'll find out later Friday whether Haggans drew a fine from the league. Players drawing personal-foul penalties generally get fined. No fine tends to mean the league isn't standing behind such a call.
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says former Cardinals defensive lineman Alan Branch played a key role in the Seahawks' strong showing against the 49ers on defense in Week 1. Branch: "Really, this system just allows me to be aggressive, which is the way I like to play, so I’m loving it right now, honestly. It’s probably the best fit I’ve played under for a while; being able to go out there and cause havoc in the backfield." Noted: The Cardinals traded up to draft Branch three spots before Philadelphia selected Kolb. It's odd how things turn out sometimes.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is adjusting the team's practice schedule before 10 a.m. PT kickoffs this season. Noted: The Seahawks started slowly, particularly on offense, in their opening-week game against San Francisco, a game played on the West Coast. The early kickoff against Pittsburgh presents new challenges.
Also from O'Neil: Aaron Curry loved how the Seahawks used him in Week 1. Curry: "Me going back to my natural outside linebacker as I've always done, as I did in school. All I did is play outside linebacker. I played SAM in our base and WILL in the nickel, and that's where I feel comfortable. It asks me to maintain the same footwork, the same pad level, and it allows me to keep the same key, the same reads, the same responsibilities. I'm enjoying it."
McDonald hadn't started a game in 2010. He hadn't started one in 2009, either.
Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle says McDonald, though not a starter, ranked second on the 49ers last season in quarterback pressures (56) and quarterback hits (26). And while the team was sticking with a 3-4 defense, coordinator Vic Fangio wanted active linemen, not the conventional two-gapping types. Nose tackle Aubrayo Franklin was out. Isaac Sopoaga was moving from end to replace Franklin. McDonald was moving into the lineup. Coach Jim Harbaugh: "We watched the tape on Ray and we all felt that here's a guy that's just about ready to explode onto the scene. It's kind of like there have been some tremors, some earthquake tremors have been reported and sighted on the Richter scale, and here's a guy that the big one could be coming. That's why Ray was such a high priority for us to re-sign and get back on our football team." McDonald's sack against Seattle in the opener ended a 25-game streak without one.
Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says 49ers rookie Aldon Smith is playing Demarcus Ware's role on the scout team in practice.
Also from Barrows: The microphone Harbaugh wore in Week 1 reveals the coach telling Alex Smith to throw away the ball if no one was open on a bootleg deep in Seattle territory. Barrows: "Smith, of course, runs the ball in for a touchdown, juking safety Kam Chancellor before being whacked by Seahawks linebacker Aaron Curry just beyond the goal line. He gets a long and enthusiastic bear hug from a whooping Harbaugh when he gets to the sideline."
Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch checks in with Rams receiver Danny Amendola, who is recovering from a dislocated elbow. Coach Steve Spagnuolo says the team will "be smart" with Amendola. Amendola: "I've been healing really quick. I can catch, I can move it around. It's just a little bit of instability on the sides." It's not clear how many games Amendola might miss.
Also from Coats: How Steven Jackson feels Monday will dictate whether he plays in Week 2. It's an upset if Jackson returns this week.
Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch notes that dropped passes hurt the Rams in their Week 17 defeat at Seattle last season, again in the opener Sunday. Thomas: "With two starting cornerbacks out with injury as well as their starting middle linebacker, Monday's opponent -- the New York Giants -- was shredded for 305 yards passing by Washington quarterback Rex Grossman, who's hardly one of the league's elite passers. The Redskins had six pass plays go for 20 yards-plus, and Washington tight end Fred Davis had five catches for 105 yards. So if the Rams can protect Bradford against the Giants pass rush and pick up the blitz, there should be opportunities in the passing game. Because of their depleted ranks in the secondary, the Giants had to play a lot of zone and off coverage against Washington."
DeMarco Farr of 101ESPN St. Louis expects good things from Al Harris as the Rams shuffle their secondary.
Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the Cardinals' secondary was primarily to blame for the big plays allowed against Carolina in the opener. Coach Ken Whisenhunt: "We had a comedy of errors on the back half. That’s what we are working to improve. (But) I don’t believe our attitude has suffered."
Also from Urban: Kevin Kolb wants to stay in the pocket longer on certain throws.
Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says officials appeared to err on two important calls against the Cardinals in the opener, both for hits on the quarterback. Clark Haggans' hand grazing Cam Newton's helmet drew one of the disputed flags. Somers: "The blow, if you can call it that, appeared inadvertent. Haggans was engaged with a blocker, saw Newton starting to throw and jumped to attempt to block the pass. His hand grazed Newton's helmet. Under new rules emphasis, that type of play was supposed to be legal this year." Noted: Somers and I were at Cardinals camp when game officials walked reporters through this specific type of play. We'll find out later Friday whether Haggans drew a fine from the league. Players drawing personal-foul penalties generally get fined. No fine tends to mean the league isn't standing behind such a call.
Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says former Cardinals defensive lineman Alan Branch played a key role in the Seahawks' strong showing against the 49ers on defense in Week 1. Branch: "Really, this system just allows me to be aggressive, which is the way I like to play, so I’m loving it right now, honestly. It’s probably the best fit I’ve played under for a while; being able to go out there and cause havoc in the backfield." Noted: The Cardinals traded up to draft Branch three spots before Philadelphia selected Kolb. It's odd how things turn out sometimes.
Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says Seahawks coach Pete Carroll is adjusting the team's practice schedule before 10 a.m. PT kickoffs this season. Noted: The Seahawks started slowly, particularly on offense, in their opening-week game against San Francisco, a game played on the West Coast. The early kickoff against Pittsburgh presents new challenges.
Also from O'Neil: Aaron Curry loved how the Seahawks used him in Week 1. Curry: "Me going back to my natural outside linebacker as I've always done, as I did in school. All I did is play outside linebacker. I played SAM in our base and WILL in the nickel, and that's where I feel comfortable. It asks me to maintain the same footwork, the same pad level, and it allows me to keep the same key, the same reads, the same responsibilities. I'm enjoying it."
Intelligence report: San Francisco 49ers
September, 1, 2011
9/01/11
12:19
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
Five things to know about the San Francisco 49ers, straight from our newly published 2011 preview:
1. The clock starts anew: As frustrating as the past decade has been for 49ers fans and the organization as a whole, none of that serves as a relevant reference point for Jim Harbaugh. This will be a season of discovery for him. If the team reaches the playoffs, great. But the Harbaugh era is only beginning and there is much to figure out, starting at quarterback.
2. Patience is the name of the game: The 49ers could have drafted Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert or Christian Ponder with the seventh overall choice. All three quarterbacks went in the five slots immediately after the 49ers made outside linebacker Aldon Smith the seventh overall choice. After the draft, the 49ers could have engaged Arizona in a bidding war for Kevin Kolb. They passed. Harbaugh was content grabbing Colin Kaepernick in the second round and bringing back Alex Smith for a seventh season with the team. The 49ers showed patience again during free agency, reaching into the bargain bin while letting some of their own starters sign elsewhere uncontested. They appear to be in no rush.
3. The running game is king: The 49ers' lack of urgency at quarterback could at least partially reflect their desire to lean hard on the ground game. In that respect, the philosophy hasn't changed much from Mike Singletary to Harbaugh. San Francisco will continue to emphasize a power scheme on offense. Harbaugh brings many more variations within the running game. He's installing a short-passing game that will give Smith bailout options should he find no one open on vertical routes. But running the football will remain the top priority. Frank Gore has a new contract and should be happy about his role in the offense. He's going to get the ball plenty this season.
4. Braylon Edwards is an X factor: The one-handed, diving grab Edwards made for a 32-yard gain during preseason trumped any catch I can recall a 49ers wideout making in recent seasons. It was the sort of play the 49ers badly need their receivers to make. Smith isn't an elite quarterback. He isn't going to elevate the play of those around him. He needs playmakers to make him look better. Edwards has shown he has the ability to do that. His addition gives the team another big target with the physical traits to stretch a defense. Tight end Vernon Davis had been the only 49ers player with that ability
5. The defense is surprisingly new: Nate Clements, Aubrayo Franklin, Manny Lawson, Travis LaBoy, Takeo Spikes and Taylor Mays figured prominently into the 49ers' defensive plans at various points last season. None remains with the team. The middle of the defense has a fresh look with Isaac Sopoaga moving to nose tackle, NaVorro Bowman replacing Spikes at inside linebacker and the 49ers making a concerted effort to build depth at safety. Most changes were designed to upgrade the pass defense. Opposing quarterbacks Tony Romo, Michael Vick, Josh Freeman and Matthew Stafford will put those changes to the test before the 49ers hit their bye in Week 7.
1. The clock starts anew: As frustrating as the past decade has been for 49ers fans and the organization as a whole, none of that serves as a relevant reference point for Jim Harbaugh. This will be a season of discovery for him. If the team reaches the playoffs, great. But the Harbaugh era is only beginning and there is much to figure out, starting at quarterback.
2. Patience is the name of the game: The 49ers could have drafted Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert or Christian Ponder with the seventh overall choice. All three quarterbacks went in the five slots immediately after the 49ers made outside linebacker Aldon Smith the seventh overall choice. After the draft, the 49ers could have engaged Arizona in a bidding war for Kevin Kolb. They passed. Harbaugh was content grabbing Colin Kaepernick in the second round and bringing back Alex Smith for a seventh season with the team. The 49ers showed patience again during free agency, reaching into the bargain bin while letting some of their own starters sign elsewhere uncontested. They appear to be in no rush.
3. The running game is king: The 49ers' lack of urgency at quarterback could at least partially reflect their desire to lean hard on the ground game. In that respect, the philosophy hasn't changed much from Mike Singletary to Harbaugh. San Francisco will continue to emphasize a power scheme on offense. Harbaugh brings many more variations within the running game. He's installing a short-passing game that will give Smith bailout options should he find no one open on vertical routes. But running the football will remain the top priority. Frank Gore has a new contract and should be happy about his role in the offense. He's going to get the ball plenty this season.
4. Braylon Edwards is an X factor: The one-handed, diving grab Edwards made for a 32-yard gain during preseason trumped any catch I can recall a 49ers wideout making in recent seasons. It was the sort of play the 49ers badly need their receivers to make. Smith isn't an elite quarterback. He isn't going to elevate the play of those around him. He needs playmakers to make him look better. Edwards has shown he has the ability to do that. His addition gives the team another big target with the physical traits to stretch a defense. Tight end Vernon Davis had been the only 49ers player with that ability
5. The defense is surprisingly new: Nate Clements, Aubrayo Franklin, Manny Lawson, Travis LaBoy, Takeo Spikes and Taylor Mays figured prominently into the 49ers' defensive plans at various points last season. None remains with the team. The middle of the defense has a fresh look with Isaac Sopoaga moving to nose tackle, NaVorro Bowman replacing Spikes at inside linebacker and the 49ers making a concerted effort to build depth at safety. Most changes were designed to upgrade the pass defense. Opposing quarterbacks Tony Romo, Michael Vick, Josh Freeman and Matthew Stafford will put those changes to the test before the 49ers hit their bye in Week 7.
2011 NFL age ranks: Calling all graybeards
August, 25, 2011
8/25/11
7:54
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
A few thoughts on NFC West rosters after calculating age ranks for NFL teams based on the rosters I maintain:
I've sprouted a couple new gray hairs just typing in some of these names. Might be time to squeeze in an afternoon workout.
- The chart ranks teams from oldest to youngest, excluding special-teams players who can sometimes play into their 40s. The first column shows overall rank, counting offensive and defensive players. The third and fourth columns show where teams rank on each side of the ball. These are for starters and backups. In some cases, teams might plan to release older backups on the reduction to 53 players.
- Arizona Cardinals: Earlier in the preseason, Kevin Kolb referred to the Cardinals as a young team. They do have young players, some of whom played extensively last season and should be better for it. But the Cardinals have the sixth-oldest roster in the league overall. Vonnie Holliday (35), Clark Haggans (34), Joey Porter (34), Paris Lenon (33), Floyd Womack (32), Adrian Wilson (31), Todd Heap (31) and Nick Eason (31) are some of them. The team has also favored veteran offensive linemen, including veteran backups.
- St. Louis Rams: The Rams got older on purpose, adding seasoning to their defense through players added on one-year deals. Al Harris (36) is the oldest non-specialist on the team. James Hall (34) and Fred Robbins (34) remain valuable contributors. Both start. Rookie Robert Quinn will likely replace Hall at some point. Drafting a defensive tackle in the first round of the 2012 draft could make sense, too. Some of the Rams' additions could come at the expense of incumbent veterans such as Hank Fraley (34 next month) and Na'il Diggs (33).
- San Francisco 49ers: The 49ers have gotten younger this offseason, particularly on defense. They subtracted Takeo Spikes (34), Aubrayo Franklin (31 this week), Travis LaBoy (30), Brian Westbrook, Nate Clements (31), Brian Westbrook (32 next month), William James (32), Barry Sims (36) and Demetric Evans (32 next month).. Fulback Moran Norris (33) is their oldest non-specialist. The team has only six non-specialists in their 30s, half as many as the Cardinals have.
- Seattle Seahawks: The Seahawks have been getting younger by design over the past two seasons. Like the 49ers, they have only six non-specialists in their 30s, with none older than 33 (Raheem Brock). They have subtracted Sean Locklear (30), Matt Hasselbeck (36 next month), Stacy Andrews (30), J.P. Losman (30), Brandon Stokley (35), Lawyer Milloy (37), Chester Pitts (32) and Craig Terrill (31). Most general managers want to make their teams younger when starting out. In Seattle, the head coach is also amendable to that approach. But a few players such as Brock (33), Junior Siavii (32), Colin Cole (31), Marcus Trufant (30) and Atari Bigby (30 next month) have kept the Seahawks defensive ranking from sinking further. Seattle is 16th oldest on that side of the ball.
I've sprouted a couple new gray hairs just typing in some of these names. Might be time to squeeze in an afternoon workout.
With training camps winding down, I've found time to update rosters and put together team-by-team reference material for unrestricted free agency.
The names below match official NFL counts.
These are for players with at least four accrued NFL seasons whose contracts expired following the 2010 season. I've added comments for each team.
Arizona Cardinals
Re-signed (8): Ben Graham, Matt Ware, Hamza Abdullah, Ben Claxton, Lyle Sendlein, D'Anthony Batiste, Deuce Lutui, Stephen Spach.
New to team (7): Chansi Stuckey, Richard Marshall, Daryn Colledge, Nick Eason, Stewart Bradley, Floyd Womack, Jeff King.
Still unsigned (3): Alan Faneca, Jason Wright, Bryan Robinson.
Signed elsewhere (5): Steve Breaston (Kansas City), Gabe Watson (New York Giants), Ben Patrick (Giants), Trumaine McBride (New Orleans), Alan Branch (Seattle).
Comment: Sendlein, Colledge and Bradley were the big signings. Marshall provides needed depth at cornerback. Faneca and Wright announced their retirements. The Cardinals weren't aggressive in trying to re-sign the players they lost to other teams. The biggest move Arizona made, acquiring Kevin Kolb from Philadelphia, did not involve a UFA.
San Francisco 49ers
Re-signed (4): Ray McDonald, Tony Wragge, Dashon Goldson, Alex Smith.
New to team (5): Braylon Edwards, Jonathan Goodwin, Donte Whitner, Carlos Rogers, David Akers.
Still unsigned (5): Brian Westbrook, Troy Smith, Demetric Evans, William James, Barry Sims.
Signed elsewhere (6): David Baas (Giants), Travis LaBoy (San Diego), Jeff Reed (Seattle), Aubrayo Franklin (New Orleans), Takeo Spikes (San Diego), Manny Lawson (Cincinnati).
Comment: Re-signing McDonald signaled Franklin's departure. Getting Goldson back on the relative cheap was a victory. The 49ers wanted to keep Baas, but not at the price he commanded. The team thinks NaVorro Bowman has a bright future in Spikes' old spot at inside linebacker. Lawson wasn't strong enough as a pass-rusher to stick around. Safety depth is improved.
Seattle Seahawks
Re-signed (7): Raheem Brock, Junior Siavii, Brandon Mebane, Leroy Hill, Matt McCoy, Michael Robinson, Kelly Jennings.
New to team (8): Branch, Zach Miller, Robert Gallery, Jimmy Wilkerson, Atari Bigby, Sidney Rice, Tarvaris Jackson, Reed.
Still unsigned (7): Jay Richardson, Craig Terrill, Chester Pitts, Brandon Stokley, Ruvell Martin, J.P. Losman, Lawyer Milloy.
Signed elsewhere (8): Will Herring (New Orleans), Olindo Mare (Carolina), Matt Hasselbeck (Tennessee), Chris Spencer (Chicago), Jordan Babineaux (Tennessee), Sean Locklear (Washington), Amon Gordon (Kansas City), Ray Willis (Washington).
Comment: Adding Jackson as the starting quarterback was the most significant move for the 2011 season. Mebane was the most important re-signing for the longer term. Hill was a bargain relative to how he's playing right now. Miller and Rice were the types of young, talented players who rarely change teams in free agency. The Seahawks were outbid for Herring and Mare. Can street free agent David Vobora fill some of the void Herring left?
St. Louis Rams
Re-signed (2): Adam Goldberg, Gary Gibson.
New to team (9): Daniel Muir, Quinn Ojinnaka, Harvey Dahl, Ben Leber, Zac Diles, Jerious Norwood, Cadillac Williams, Quintin Mikell, Mike Sims-Walker.
Still unsigned (5): Chris Hovan, Michael Lewis, Darcy Johnson, Clifton Ryan, Mark Clayton.
Signed elsewhere (4): Daniel Fells (Denver), Laurent Robinson (San Diego), Derek Schouman (Washington), Kevin Dockery (Pittsburgh).
Comment: Dahl and Mikell were the big additions. Clayton could return if and when his surgically repaired knee allows. Sims-Walker is a wild card. The team didn't flinch when any of its own UFAs signed elsewhere. Most of the moves made on defense were designed to improve St. Louis against the run. Remember that newcomer Justin Bannan was not a UFA. Denver released him.
.
The names below match official NFL counts.
These are for players with at least four accrued NFL seasons whose contracts expired following the 2010 season. I've added comments for each team.
Arizona Cardinals
Re-signed (8): Ben Graham, Matt Ware, Hamza Abdullah, Ben Claxton, Lyle Sendlein, D'Anthony Batiste, Deuce Lutui, Stephen Spach.
New to team (7): Chansi Stuckey, Richard Marshall, Daryn Colledge, Nick Eason, Stewart Bradley, Floyd Womack, Jeff King.
Still unsigned (3): Alan Faneca, Jason Wright, Bryan Robinson.
Signed elsewhere (5): Steve Breaston (Kansas City), Gabe Watson (New York Giants), Ben Patrick (Giants), Trumaine McBride (New Orleans), Alan Branch (Seattle).
Comment: Sendlein, Colledge and Bradley were the big signings. Marshall provides needed depth at cornerback. Faneca and Wright announced their retirements. The Cardinals weren't aggressive in trying to re-sign the players they lost to other teams. The biggest move Arizona made, acquiring Kevin Kolb from Philadelphia, did not involve a UFA.
San Francisco 49ers
Re-signed (4): Ray McDonald, Tony Wragge, Dashon Goldson, Alex Smith.
New to team (5): Braylon Edwards, Jonathan Goodwin, Donte Whitner, Carlos Rogers, David Akers.
Still unsigned (5): Brian Westbrook, Troy Smith, Demetric Evans, William James, Barry Sims.
Signed elsewhere (6): David Baas (Giants), Travis LaBoy (San Diego), Jeff Reed (Seattle), Aubrayo Franklin (New Orleans), Takeo Spikes (San Diego), Manny Lawson (Cincinnati).
Comment: Re-signing McDonald signaled Franklin's departure. Getting Goldson back on the relative cheap was a victory. The 49ers wanted to keep Baas, but not at the price he commanded. The team thinks NaVorro Bowman has a bright future in Spikes' old spot at inside linebacker. Lawson wasn't strong enough as a pass-rusher to stick around. Safety depth is improved.
Seattle Seahawks
Re-signed (7): Raheem Brock, Junior Siavii, Brandon Mebane, Leroy Hill, Matt McCoy, Michael Robinson, Kelly Jennings.
New to team (8): Branch, Zach Miller, Robert Gallery, Jimmy Wilkerson, Atari Bigby, Sidney Rice, Tarvaris Jackson, Reed.
Still unsigned (7): Jay Richardson, Craig Terrill, Chester Pitts, Brandon Stokley, Ruvell Martin, J.P. Losman, Lawyer Milloy.
Signed elsewhere (8): Will Herring (New Orleans), Olindo Mare (Carolina), Matt Hasselbeck (Tennessee), Chris Spencer (Chicago), Jordan Babineaux (Tennessee), Sean Locklear (Washington), Amon Gordon (Kansas City), Ray Willis (Washington).
Comment: Adding Jackson as the starting quarterback was the most significant move for the 2011 season. Mebane was the most important re-signing for the longer term. Hill was a bargain relative to how he's playing right now. Miller and Rice were the types of young, talented players who rarely change teams in free agency. The Seahawks were outbid for Herring and Mare. Can street free agent David Vobora fill some of the void Herring left?
St. Louis Rams
Re-signed (2): Adam Goldberg, Gary Gibson.
New to team (9): Daniel Muir, Quinn Ojinnaka, Harvey Dahl, Ben Leber, Zac Diles, Jerious Norwood, Cadillac Williams, Quintin Mikell, Mike Sims-Walker.
Still unsigned (5): Chris Hovan, Michael Lewis, Darcy Johnson, Clifton Ryan, Mark Clayton.
Signed elsewhere (4): Daniel Fells (Denver), Laurent Robinson (San Diego), Derek Schouman (Washington), Kevin Dockery (Pittsburgh).
Comment: Dahl and Mikell were the big additions. Clayton could return if and when his surgically repaired knee allows. Sims-Walker is a wild card. The team didn't flinch when any of its own UFAs signed elsewhere. Most of the moves made on defense were designed to improve St. Louis against the run. Remember that newcomer Justin Bannan was not a UFA. Denver released him.
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Not just a chip on this receiver's shoulder
August, 19, 2011
8/19/11
6:19
PM ET
By
Mike Sando | ESPN.com
EARTH CITY, Mo. -- NFL free agency was brutally unaccommodating for quite a few players this offseason.
Players dreaming of lucrative long-term agreements awoke to an unreceptive market. One-year deals proliferated even for younger starters such as San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson and new St. Louis Rams receiver Mike Sims-Walker.
I spoke with Sims-Walker at Rams camp this week and asked him what he possibly could have done to go from No. 1 receiver in Jacksonville to essentially unwanted by a Jaguars team without proven replacements for him. He had no answer.
"Man, you couldn’t even imagine the chip I have on my shoulder," Sims-Walker said. "I call it a cracker. It’s bigger than a chip. I’m walking around with a cracker on my shoulder."
The Rams signed Sims-Walker to a one-year agreement that will count about $1.2 million against the cap.
With so many free agents signing one-year deals, the market figures to be flooded with free agents again next offseason. The process could repeat itself for some. They'll have extra incentive to play well in 2011 after realizing the market isn't going to give them the benefit of the doubt.
As for Sims-Walker, I see him sticking with a receiving corps likely to feature Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson, Austin Pettis and Greg Salas. Donnie Avery, Mardy Gilyard and Danario Alexander could be fighting for one roster spot unless the Rams surprisingly keep seven receivers. That's how I see it heading into the second preseason game, anyway.
Sims-Walker, who returned to practice late in the week after injuring his groin in the first preseason game, expects to play against Tennessee on Saturday night at the Edward Jones Dome.
Players dreaming of lucrative long-term agreements awoke to an unreceptive market. One-year deals proliferated even for younger starters such as San Francisco 49ers safety Dashon Goldson and new St. Louis Rams receiver Mike Sims-Walker.
I spoke with Sims-Walker at Rams camp this week and asked him what he possibly could have done to go from No. 1 receiver in Jacksonville to essentially unwanted by a Jaguars team without proven replacements for him. He had no answer.
"Man, you couldn’t even imagine the chip I have on my shoulder," Sims-Walker said. "I call it a cracker. It’s bigger than a chip. I’m walking around with a cracker on my shoulder."
The Rams signed Sims-Walker to a one-year agreement that will count about $1.2 million against the cap.
With so many free agents signing one-year deals, the market figures to be flooded with free agents again next offseason. The process could repeat itself for some. They'll have extra incentive to play well in 2011 after realizing the market isn't going to give them the benefit of the doubt.
As for Sims-Walker, I see him sticking with a receiving corps likely to feature Danny Amendola, Brandon Gibson, Austin Pettis and Greg Salas. Donnie Avery, Mardy Gilyard and Danario Alexander could be fighting for one roster spot unless the Rams surprisingly keep seven receivers. That's how I see it heading into the second preseason game, anyway.
Sims-Walker, who returned to practice late in the week after injuring his groin in the first preseason game, expects to play against Tennessee on Saturday night at the Edward Jones Dome.
Panic would have set in last season if the San Francisco 49ers had gone into a game without five defensive starters and a promising young backup safety.
Aubrayo Franklin, Takeo Spikes, Nate Clements and Dashon Goldson each started 16 games for the 49ers in 2010. Taylor Mays was a player the team hoped to develop. He made six starts.
Only Mays remained with the team by Thursday, and his future became murky following reports the 49ers had informed all NFL teams Mays was on the trading block. The team confirmed it was shopping Mays.
Goldson, though still a free agent, knows he will not be back after the team signed safeties Donte Whitner and Madieu Williams.
What is going on here? The 49ers are going backward on defense in the short term, by all appearances. But they are moving forward with a new coaching staff looking for its own players. Sometimes teams know what they do not want before they have what they need. That could be the case for the 49ers. Only the coaching staff knows whether newly signed players on defense fit better than the ones they're replacing.
The market has justified the 49ers' reluctance to secure Franklin and Goldson with lucrative long-term agreements. Both players languished on the market. Franklin took a one-year deal from New Orleans. It's looking like Goldson will settle for an underwhelming deal as well.
The 49ers arguably would have been better with both players on their roster, at the right price. But for first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, throwing piles of cash at players unfamiliar to him would have anointed those players as pillars of his new program. He wasn't going to do that, and I understand why.
Age was an obvious issue with Spikes, who might have departed anyway. Clements' salary-cap figure made it impractical for the 49ers to keep him around. Once players get cut, they often look for work elsewhere. Clements did just that, agreeing to terms with Cincinnati.
The 49ers obviously do not think Mays fits their new defensive system. That is unfortunate for Mays and for the team, but also the price of turning over a coaching staff. New coaches tend to want new players.
Before January, there was some thought Harbaugh was coming in merely to fix the offense. The 49ers already had the makings of a strong defense. They needed help in the secondary, but an overhaul appeared unlikely. Harbaugh would attempt to figure out the quarterback situation, coach up the offense and push the 49ers over the top in the NFC West.
Those things still might happen, but it's tough to see coming. The heavy turnover on defense adds new variables to the equation.
Aubrayo Franklin, Takeo Spikes, Nate Clements and Dashon Goldson each started 16 games for the 49ers in 2010. Taylor Mays was a player the team hoped to develop. He made six starts.
Only Mays remained with the team by Thursday, and his future became murky following reports the 49ers had informed all NFL teams Mays was on the trading block. The team confirmed it was shopping Mays.
Goldson, though still a free agent, knows he will not be back after the team signed safeties Donte Whitner and Madieu Williams.
What is going on here? The 49ers are going backward on defense in the short term, by all appearances. But they are moving forward with a new coaching staff looking for its own players. Sometimes teams know what they do not want before they have what they need. That could be the case for the 49ers. Only the coaching staff knows whether newly signed players on defense fit better than the ones they're replacing.
The market has justified the 49ers' reluctance to secure Franklin and Goldson with lucrative long-term agreements. Both players languished on the market. Franklin took a one-year deal from New Orleans. It's looking like Goldson will settle for an underwhelming deal as well.
The 49ers arguably would have been better with both players on their roster, at the right price. But for first-year coach Jim Harbaugh, throwing piles of cash at players unfamiliar to him would have anointed those players as pillars of his new program. He wasn't going to do that, and I understand why.
Age was an obvious issue with Spikes, who might have departed anyway. Clements' salary-cap figure made it impractical for the 49ers to keep him around. Once players get cut, they often look for work elsewhere. Clements did just that, agreeing to terms with Cincinnati.
The 49ers obviously do not think Mays fits their new defensive system. That is unfortunate for Mays and for the team, but also the price of turning over a coaching staff. New coaches tend to want new players.
Before January, there was some thought Harbaugh was coming in merely to fix the offense. The 49ers already had the makings of a strong defense. They needed help in the secondary, but an overhaul appeared unlikely. Harbaugh would attempt to figure out the quarterback situation, coach up the offense and push the 49ers over the top in the NFC West.
Those things still might happen, but it's tough to see coming. The heavy turnover on defense adds new variables to the equation.
Thoughts after the San Francisco 49ers reached agreement with veteran safety Donte Whitner while letting other teams know strong safety Taylor Mays could be had via trade:
OK, time is running short here. About to head out to Arizona Cardinals practice.
- Mays would have remained in the team's plans to this point had Mike Singletary remained head coach. Singletary was invested in Mays. The team had Ronnie Lott reach out to Mays right away. Kenny Easley was another great safety the team held up as an example to follow. Priorities and values change when staffs change. This doesn't necessarily mean the 49ers erred when they drafted Mays. It means they erred when they hired Singletary, and Mays is a casualty of the fallout.
- Adding Whitner and fellow veteran safety Madieu Williams gives the 49ers a new look in the secondary, particularly with cornerback Carlos Rogers signing as well. Again, staff changes lead to player changes. The new staff in San Francisco obviously wasn't comfortable committing big money for holdover players. Feelings have probably been hurt along the way. Nate Clements, Takeo Spikes and Aubrayo Franklin are among those who bolted. A lack of continuity has hurt the 49ers on offense previously. It's hurting their defense right now.
- The 49ers' handling of the Mays situation -- sending out an email to teams -- seemed unusual and clumsy. Whether the player and/or agent were contacted first matters as we evaluate how the 49ers handled this situation. I would think the 49ers kept Mays' camp in the loop. I do not know this. With some fans already uneasy over the front office's handling of free agency, a move that appears clumsy resonates in a negative way. It is possible teams send out memos like this from time to time. I reached out to a couple teams and they said this was not typical in their experience.
- None of this should overshadow the fact that the 49ers are giving up on a player they drafted in the second round only one year ago.
OK, time is running short here. About to head out to Arizona Cardinals practice.
The latest NFC West chat was the funnest in a while. We can thank free agency for providing additional angles for consideration. I'll pass along a few highlights before following up with additional thoughts at the bottom.
My answer regarding Rice and the Rams drew strong reaction. Kyle from St. Louis thought my logic was inconsistent with a previous statement discouraging the Rams from considering Vincent Jackson. That situation was different on multiple fronts. One, Rice was a free agent, while Jackson was available only by trade. Two, Jackson has had significant off-field issues. Rice is 24 years old and highly talented.
Let's look at it this way: If the Seahawks, Cardinals and 49ers could vote yes or no regarding Rice teaming up with Bradford, how do you think they would vote? I guarantee the answer would be 3-0 against Rice joining the Rams.
Rules surrounding free agency this year made it tougher for teams to build their plans around Rice. Players could not make free-agent visits until the signing period opened. That would have made it tough for teams to fully assess Rice's surgically repaired hip. Seattle agreed to terms with Rice before the signing period opened. The Seahawks had a better feel for Rice's health because their offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell, had been with Rice in Minnesota.
Mike Sando: My feeling is that the organization wasn't convinced Franklin would perform at a high level for the long term. Some players are better with a carrot dangling in front of them. I recall Shaun Alexander putting up monster numbers when playing for a new contract. Once Franklin realized the 49ers weren't going to give him what he wanted on a long-term deal, he wasn't going to take a one-year deal from them. So he took one elsewhere. The 49ers would have been better off had they been able to sign Franklin to a shorter-term deal.
Mike Sando: We're thinking similarly here, Jim. I do think Sidney Rice would have looked good in a Rams uniform, however. He has the physical ability to give Sam Bradford something no receiver on the roster can give him. Getting a talented 24-year-old receiver such as Rice would have made the Rams a clearer favorite in the NFC West, I think.
Mike Sando: I think their plan at quarterback is greatly misunderstood. It's a mistake to evaluate the Tarvaris Jackson acquisition as though the Seahawks have declared him their franchise quarterback. They haven't done that, but some of the criticisms seem to proceed as if that were the case. I've got no problem getting through a season with a questionable quarterback when that quarterback knows the system and the team is rebuilding, particularly when there isn't a clear franchise quarterback available to them.
Mike Sando: I spoke with Ken Whisenhunt about that after practice yesterday. He thinks the Cardinals' receivers beyond Fitzgerald are vastly underrated. And he might have a point. Andre Roberts showed quite a bit last season, particularly under the circumstances. Early Doucet can be a factor. They like some things about Stephen Williams. A rookie, DeMarco Sampson, is looking good (practice squad guy, probably). And then the complexion of the team has changed. They suddenly have Todd Heap as a receiving option. They drafted Rob Housler. I think the point you raise is a good one to discuss, but some of the factors I mentioned come into play.
My answer regarding Rice and the Rams drew strong reaction. Kyle from St. Louis thought my logic was inconsistent with a previous statement discouraging the Rams from considering Vincent Jackson. That situation was different on multiple fronts. One, Rice was a free agent, while Jackson was available only by trade. Two, Jackson has had significant off-field issues. Rice is 24 years old and highly talented.
Let's look at it this way: If the Seahawks, Cardinals and 49ers could vote yes or no regarding Rice teaming up with Bradford, how do you think they would vote? I guarantee the answer would be 3-0 against Rice joining the Rams.
Rules surrounding free agency this year made it tougher for teams to build their plans around Rice. Players could not make free-agent visits until the signing period opened. That would have made it tough for teams to fully assess Rice's surgically repaired hip. Seattle agreed to terms with Rice before the signing period opened. The Seahawks had a better feel for Rice's health because their offensive coordinator, Darrell Bevell, had been with Rice in Minnesota.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Mike Sando
Sando joined ESPN.com in 2007 after nine seasons covering the Seattle Seahawks for the Tacoma (Wash.) News Tribune. He lives in the Seattle-Tacoma area with his wife and two sons.
